Panasonic SDR-S15 Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

SD Video Camera

Model No. SDR-S15

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

LSQT1539 A

Information for your safety

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT
DAMAGE,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING

●

OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS,
SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

●

DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER

●

SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 ˚C or
incinerate.

CAUTION!

DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-

●

IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE
UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT
CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE
VENTILATION VENTS.
DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE UNIT’S VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH

●

NEWSPAPERS, TABLECLOTHS, CURTAINS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS.
DO NOT PLACE SOURCES OF NAKED FLAMES, SUCH AS LIGHTED

●

CANDLES, ON THE UNIT.

●

DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
MANNER.

The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and easily
accessible.
The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains,
disconnect the power supply cord plug from AC receptacle.

EMC Electric and magnetic compatibility

This symbol (CE) is located on the rating plate.

Use only the recommended accessories.

Do not use any other AV cables and USB connection cables except the

●

supplied one.
When you use the cable which are sold separately, please make sure to use

●

the one whose length is less than 3 m.

Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

●

Information for Users on Collection and Disposal of Old Equipment and
used Batteries

These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying
documents mean that used electrical and electronic products and
batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products and
used batteries, please take them to applicable collection points, in
accordance with your national legislation and the Directives 2002/96/
EC and 2006/66/EC.
By disposing of these products and batteries correctly, you will help to
save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on
human health and the environment which could otherwise arise from
inappropriate waste handling.
For more information about collection and recycling of old products
and batteries, please contact your local municipality, your waste
disposal service or the point of sale where you purchased the items.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in
accordance with national legislation.

For business users in the European Union

If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment, please
contact your dealer or supplier for further information.

[Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the
European Union]

These symbols are only valid in the European Union. If you wish to
discard these items, please contact your local authorities or dealer
and ask for the correct method of disposal.

Note for the battery symbol (bottom two symbol examples):

This symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. In
this case it complies with the requirement set by the Directive for the
chemical involved.

Cd

2 LSQT1539 3LSQT1539

PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT

Indemnity concerning recording content

●

The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of recordings due to
malfunction or defect of this unit, its accessories or recordable media.

●

Carefully observe copyright laws

Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast
material for purposes other than your own private use may infringe copyright
laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording of certain material may be
restricted.

For the purposes of these operating instructions

SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card are referred to as the “SD card”.

Camera and SD card (sold separately) temperature

After use and battery charging, the battery will be hot. Also, during use,
although the unit’s body and SD card become hot, there is nothing wrong with
the unit.

LCD monitor

Due to limitations in LCD production technology, there may be some tiny
bright or dark spots on the LCD monitor screen. However, this is not a
malfunction and does not affect the recorded picture.

•

SDHC Logo is a trademark.

•

Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•

IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation of the U.S.

•

Celeron
trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

•

Apple and MacOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.

•

Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.

•

YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of YouTube
LLC.
Other names of systems and products mentioned in these instructions are usually the

•
registered trademarks or trademarks of the manufacturers who developed the system or
product concerned.

®

, Windows® and DirectX® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the

®

, Intel®, Intel® Core™ Solo and Pentium® are the registered trademarks or

4 LSQT1539 5LSQT1539

Contents

Information for your safety ........ 2

PRECAUTIONS ........................... 4

Before using

Accessories ................................ 8

Parts identification and

handling ....................................... 8

Using the hand strap

(supplied) ................................. 10

Using the LCD monitor ............. 10

How to use the lens cover open

lever ......................................... 10

Optional accessories ................ 11

Applicable SD cards

(sold separately) ....................... 12

Setup

Charging .................................... 14

Charging time, recordable time
and Remaining battery capacity

indication ................................... 16

Inserting/Removing SD cards

(sold separately) ....................... 17

Turning the unit ON/OFF

(Selecting modes)..................... 18

Quick starts ..............................19

Setting from the menu, changing
the display language
Setting the date and time and

adjusting the LCD monitor ...... 22

.................. 20

Recording

Before recording....................... 24

Basic stance ............................. 24

Automatic recording

(motion pictures) ...................... 26

Recording mode and recording

times ......................................... 27

Automatic recording

(still pictures) ............................ 28

Number of recordable pictures

Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain
picture brightness in dark

locations .................................... 30

Intelligent auto mode ............... 32

Recording in WEB mode/

using the video light ................. 34

Recording for posting videos on

YouTube (WEB mode).............. 34

Brightening up dark scenes for

recording .................................. 35

Other recording options .......... 36

Fade-in/Fade-out ...................... 37

Backlight compensation function

Self-timer .................................. 38

Soft skin mode ......................... 39

Colour night view function ........ 39

PRE-REC function ................... 40

Self-portrait recording function

Face detection function ............ 42

Recording manually

(motion/still pictures) ............... 44

Adjusting focus manually

(manual focus adjustment) ....... 44

Using situation-specific settings

(scene mode) ........................... 45

Achieve natural colours

(white balance) ......................... 46

Adjusting shutter speed

(shutter speed) ......................... 48

Adjusting brightness (iris/gain)

Useful functions ....................... 50

Recording dates and times at
travel destinations (set world

time) ......................................... 50

View slants and composition

(guide lines) .............................. 51

. . 29

.. 38

.. 41

.. 49

Avoid wind noise
(wind noise reduction function)

.. 51

Playback

Viewing motion pictures .......... 52

Displaying thumbnails by date
Fast forward/rewind playback .. 54

Slow-motion playback .............. 54

Frame-by-frame playback ........ 54

Resuming the previous

playback ................................... 54

Viewing still pictures ................ 55

.. 53

Editing

Deleting motion/still pictures .. 56

Deleting one picture at a time .. 56

Deleting all pictures .................. 57

Selecting and deleting multiple

pictures ..................................... 57

Preventing accidental deletion

of motion/still pictures ............. 58

Formatting cards ...................... 58

Setting DPOF for still pictures

.. 59

With other products

Playback on TV ......................... 60

Copying to video recorders or

DVD recorders .......................... 61

Printing pictures from

PictBridge printers ................... 62

Using DVD burners

(sold separately) ....................... 64

With a computer

Software on the CD-ROM ......... 70

End User License Agreement .. 71

Operating environment ............ 72

Installing VideoCam Suite ....... 74

Using VideoCam Suite ............. 76

Uploading video clips to

YouTube ..................................... 78

Using this unit as an external

drive (Mass storage)................. 80

Checking the connections ....... 82

Connecting to a Macintosh

computer ................................... 83

Others

Menus ........................................ 84

Recording menu ....................... 84

Playback menu ......................... 84

SETUP menu ........................... 86

LCD monitor displays .............. 88

When recording ........................ 88

During playback ....................... 89

Messages .................................. 90

Troubleshooting ...................... 92

Cautions for use ....................... 98

Specifications ......................... 102

Before usingSetupRecordingPlaybackEditingWith other

products

With a

computer

Others

6 LSQT1539 7LSQT1539

Accessories

Parts identification

and handling

Make sure all of the following
accessories were included in the
product package.

Battery pack

•
VW-VBJ10
The battery is
shipped in a
discharged state. Be
sure to charge the
battery before using
this unit (P.14).

AC adaptor

•
VSK0695

AC cable

•
K2CQ2CA00006

AV cable

•
K2KZ9CB00002

Hand strap

•
VFC4308

DC input terminal
[DC IN 5.0 V] (P.15)

Audio-video output
terminal [A/V] (P.60, 61)

USB terminal
[

] (P.62, 65, 76)

Do not use any other AC adaptors

•
except the supplied one.

Card access lamp
[ACCESS] (P.17, 25)

Card/battery door lever
[

] (P.14, 17)

Card/Battery door
(P.14, 17)

Strap fixture
(P.10)

LCD monitor (P.10)

Lens cover open lever
(P.10)

Lens

Light (P.35)

Microphone
(built-in, stereo)

Sub record button (P.24)

(Same as record button)

When recording: Zoom button

[T/W] (P.30)

During playback: Volume button

[+VOL–] (P.52)

Speaker

Terminal cover (P.15)

Record button
(P.26, 28)

Status indicator
(P.15, 18, 19)

USB cable

•
K1HA05AD0006

CD-ROM

•

Software

CD-ROM

•
LSFT0783

Operating Instructions

Optional accessories (P.11)

Card slot
[SD CARD]
(P.17)

Battery slot
[BATT] (P.14)

Tripod mounting hole

For tripod (sold separately) mounting
instructions, see the user’s guide of
the tripod. (With some tripods, the
card/battery door cannot be opened
when the unit is mounted on the tripod.
If this is the case, insert the SD card
and battery before mounting the unit
on the tripod.)

Light button [LIGHT] (P.35)

Intelligent auto button
[ ] (P.32)

WEB mode button
[WEB MODE] (P.34)

Cursor buttons (P.20)

Delete button
[

] (P.56)

Manual button
[MANUAL AF/MF]
(P.44)

Menu button [MENU] (P.20)

Mode dial (P.18)

: Motion picture

recording (P.26)

: Motion picture

playback (P.52)

: Still picture recording

(P.28)

: Still picture playback

(P.55)

: Turning the unit OFF

(P.18)

8 LSQT1539 9LSQT1539

Parts identification and handling (cont.)

Using the hand strap (supplied)

Using as strap

Fit over your wrist and adjust the

length of the strap.

Using the LCD monitor

Images can be checked on the LCD monitor when recording.

Open the LCD monitor. Adjust the angle.

Optional accessories

Some optional accessories may not be available in some countries.

Battery pack (VW-VBJ10)

SD Memory card / SDHC Memory card
(→ Applicable SD cards P.12)

DVD burner (VW-BN1)

Up to 180 ˚

Up to 90 ˚

Forcing the LCD monitor open or rotating it past the angle to which it can be

●

rotated will cause trouble or malfunctioning.

●

Brightness and colour density can be adjusted. (P.23)

How to use the lens cover open lever

Before recording, open the
lens cover.

Open the lens cover by sliding
the lens cover open lever to the

] position.

[

●

In order to protect the lens, slide
the lens cover open lever to the

] position when the unit is not

[
in use, and close the lens cover.

10 LSQT1539 11LSQT1539

Applicable SD cards (sold separately)

The following SD and SDHC Memory Cards can be used.

Type of card Capacity

SD Memory Card
(SD speed Class 2 or higher recommended)

SDHC Memory Card
(Use cards bearing the

•

8 MB and 16 MB SD Memory Cards are for still picture recording only.

•

With 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB SD Memory Cards, still pictures can be
recorded, but motion picture recording may stop during use.

•

Multimedia cards cannot be used.

logo.)

256 MB
512 MB

1 GB
2 GB
4 GB
6 GB

8 GB
12 GB
16 GB
32 GB

Recommended Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards

(as of January 2009)

The following Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards and SD speed Class 2 or
higher Memory Cards are recommended for this unit. With other types of SD
cards, motion picture recording may stop during use.

SD Memory Card SD/SDHC Memory Card

High Speed Class 2 Class 4 Class 6

256 MB RP-SDH256 RP-SDR256 ――
512 MB RP-SDK512 RP-SDR512 ――

1 GB RP-SDH01G RP-SDR01G ― RP-SDV01G

2 GB RP-SDK02G RP-SDR02G RP-SDM02G RP-SDV02G
4 GB ― RP-SDR04G RP-SDM04G RP-SDV04G
6 GB ――RP-SDM06G ―

8 GB ―――RP-SDV08G
12 GB ――RP-SDM12G ―
16 GB ―――RP-SDV16G
32 GB ―――RP-SDV32G

Please confirm the latest information on the following website. (This website

●

is in English only.)

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam

Precautions in handling

Do not touch the terminals on the back of the card. Also, prevent dirt, water

•
and foreign matter from adhering to terminals.
Do not leave cards in the following areas:

•

· Where exposed to direct sunlight

· Humid or dusty places

· Near heaters or other sources of heat

· Where subjected to sharp temperature changes (condensation can occur)

· Where exposed to static electricity or electromagnetic waves
After use, return cards to their pouch or case.

•
SD card data may be corrupted or lost due to electrical noise, static

•
electricity, damage to the unit or card, etc. Save important data on a PC
using the supplied USB cable, VideoCam Suite, etc. (P.70)

Write-protecting cards

When the write-protect switch on the SD card is set to the LOCK position,
data cannot be written onto or deleted from the card, and the card cannot be
formatted.

Write-protect switch

SDHC Memory Cards can be used only with SDHC devices.

●

Be careful when sharing cards between devices.

Be sure to format SD cards with this unit only.

●

If cards are formatted on a PC or other device, recording may take time and
the card may become unusable with the unit.

●

Before using an SD card from another device, copy the data onto a PC or
other storage device and then format the card with this unit.

●

Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

●

This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted to FAT12 or FAT16 file
systems and SDHC Memory Cards formatted to a FAT32 file system.

●

SD speed Class 2
Class 2 speed standard for SD cards. This and higher types of SD cards
operate stably in devices for which Class 2 or higher SD cards are
recommended, such as this unit.

12 LSQT1539 13LSQT1539

Setup

Charging

1

The battery is not charged at the time of purchase. Be sure to charge it
before use.
For charging time (P.16)

The unit is in the standby condition when the AC adaptor is connected. The
primary circuit is always “live” as long as the AC adaptor is connected to an
electrical outlet.
Insert the battery into the unit and charge it.

Set the mode dial to [OFF].

1

The unit runs on AC power (status indicator lit red) and
the battery cannot be charged when the mode dial is set
to any position other than [OFF].

Open the card/battery

2

door.

Open the door by sliding the card/
battery door lever to the “OPEN”
position.

Insert the battery.

3

Ensure that battery is oriented
correctly, and push it into the
compartment in the direction of the
[▲] until it snaps into place and it is
locked by the lever.

(To remove the battery, press the
lever in the direction of the [

Close the card/battery

4

door.

Close the card/battery door and
slide the card/battery door lever to
the “LOCK” position.

Connect the AC adaptor

5

(supplied).

Connect the AC cable to the AC
adaptor and then to an AC outlet.

Use only the AC adaptor supplied

●

with the unit.

To AC outlet

＊ Do not use the AC cable and AC adaptor of this unit with other devices. Also, do not use

the AC cables and AC adaptors of other devices with this unit.

].)

Lever

AC cable

AC adaptor

＊

Small gap here.

We recommend using Panasonic batteries (VW-VBJ10).
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not heat or expose to flame.

●

●

Do not leave the battery in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long
period of time with doors and windows closed.

Open the terminal cover.

6

Plug the DC plug into the DC

7

input terminal on the unit.

Status indicator

Flashing red at approx. 1 second intervals
: Charging in progress
Off : Charging complete

If the status indicator does the following:

Does not flash:

Remove and reinsert the battery, and disconnect and reconnect the AC adaptor.
If the status indicator still does not flash, contact your dealer.

Flashes rapidly at approx. 0.25 seconds intervals:

The battery cannot be charged. Try doing the following:

Remove and reinsert the battery, and try recharging the battery.

•
The battery temperature or surrounding temperature is too high/low, therefore wait until

•

the unit and the battery are at suitable temperatures and try recharging the battery.

If battery charging still does not commence, contact your dealer.

Flashes slowly at approx. 3 seconds intervals:

Charging requires time for the following reasons:

The battery has been excessively discharged.

•
The battery temperature or ambient temperature is too high/low.

•

If power to the unit is activated while the battery is charging, the AC power

●

supply will be used and charging interrupted.

14 LSQT1539 15LSQT1539

Setup

Charging time, recordable time and

2

Remaining battery capacity indication

Setup

Inserting/Removing SD

3

cards (sold separately)

Charging time and recordable time

Times are given for a temperature of 25 ˚C and humidity of 60 %. The charging
time shown in the table are approximations. In high or low temperatures,
charging requires more time.

●

Supplied battery VW-VBJ10 (3.6 V, 940 mAh (minimum))

Charging time Approx. 2 h 15 min

Maximum continuously

Recordable time

Actual recordable time includes recording and stopping, turning the unit ON/

●

OFF, zooming and other operations.

●

Recordable time varies according to conditions of use. For example, the
recordable time shortens when the [POWER LCD] setting is on while recording.

●

The recordable time shortens in some environments (i.e., low temperatures,
etc.), therefore it is recommended to charge a spare battery.

recordable time

Approx. 1 h 15 min Approx. 40 min

Actual recordable time

Remaining battery capacity indication

The battery indication changes, as the remaining battery power decreases.

High Low

Flashing (Charge battery.)

SD cards are sold separately.
Preparations: Set the mode dial to [OFF].

Inserting or removing an SD card while the unit is turned
on may damage the unit and destroy data on the card.

Open the card/battery

1

door.

Open the door by sliding the card/
battery door lever to the “OPEN”
position.

Insert/Remove the SD

2

card.

•

To insert:
Face the label upwards and slide
the card in straight until hearing it
catch.

•

To remove:
Press the centre of the SD card and
pull the card out straight.

Close the card/battery

3

door.

•

Close the card/battery door and
slide the card/battery door lever to
the “LOCK” position.

•

If the door does not close
completely, remove the SD card,
check its orientation and reinsert it
into the slot.

(Check that the status indicator is out.)

Place label upwards.

●

While the card access lamp is lit, reading, recording, playback, deletion
or other processing is being executed. Performing the following
operations while the lamp is lit may damage the SD card and its content
and the unit may not function properly.

• Turning off the unit

• Removing battery or AC adaptor

It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine
product are available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs are
not adequately protected to meet the requirements of appropriate safety standards.
These battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit battery
pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a genuine
Panasonic battery pack is used.

• Opening card/battery door and removing SD card

• Rotating the mode dial

• Shaking or impacting the unit

• Disconnecting the USB cable

The access lamp is supposed to light up while rotating the dial to select

●

a mode. In this case, there is no problem.

Card access lamp

16 LSQT1539 17LSQT1539

Setup

Turning the unit ON/OFF

4

(Selecting modes)

Rotate the mode dial to motion picture recording/playback, still picture
recording/playback or turning the unit OFF.

Rotate the mode dial slowly but surely to the desired position without turning it
recklessly.

Set to icon of desired mode.

Turning the unit OFF

Motion picture recording mode
(P.26)

Motion picture playback mode

Status indicator

•

When turning the unit ON: Lit red
(When selecting
When turning the unit OFF: Off

•

The very first time that the unit is turned ON, a message appears prompting

●

you to set the date and time. (P.22)
During use, the main unit and SD card become hot, but this is normal and not

●

indicative of a malfunction.

)

(P.52)
Still picture recording mode

(P.28)
Still picture playback mode

(P.55)

Quick starts

Quick starts are available when the mode is set to [ ] and [ ].
When [QUICK START] is [ON], the unit responds as follows to LCD monitor
operations:

LCD monitor

operation

When opened

When closed

＊ The unit consumes about half as much power as when recording is stopped.

Setting [QUICK START]

Shooting can start in approx. 0.6 seconds.
The unit goes on quick start standby

Unit response

＊

.

Status

indicator

Lit red

Flashing green

Select settings from the
menus. (P.20)

→[SETUP]→

[QUICK START]→[ON]
(To turn OFF, select [OFF].)

[QUICK START] is [ON] at the time of purchase.•

The quick start standby is cancelled and the unit turns OFF (status indicator

●

out) in the following situations.

When quick start standby mode continues for more than about 5 minutes

•
When the mode dial is rotated

•

When the white balance has been set to the automatic adjustment (during

Turning the unit ON/OFF from the LCD monitor

When [ ] or [ ] is selected, the unit turns ON when the LCD monitor is
opened and OFF when it is closed. (During motion picture recording, the unit
does not turn OFF when the LCD monitor is closed.)

When [QUICK START] (next page) is [ON], the unit goes on quick start

•
standby when the LCD monitor is closed.

When not in use, set the mode dial to [OFF].

•

●

automatic recording or when it is set to [
and quick start has been initiated, quick start may take longer if a different
light source is used from the one prior to initiating quick start: This happens
because the automatic adjustments are performed again.
Starting may require more time than usual if the unit is impacted.

●

Zoom magnification becomes 1x after quick starts.

●

If [ECONOMY] (P.86) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes

●

on quick start standby, close and reopen the LCD monitor.

] during manual recording)

18 LSQT1539 19LSQT1539

Setup

The menu cannot be displayed during recording or playback.
For menu items (P.84 “Menu List”)

Setting from the menu,

5

changing the display language

The cursor buttons are used to select functions, execute operations and
make menu settings.

To return to the previous screen

To quit an operation halfway

through

Display the menu.

1

The menu displayed differs
according to mode.

Select the top menu.

2

(Top menu for [ ] and [ ]
modes)

Enter the top menu.

3

or

Select a submenu.

4

Select an item.

6

Enter the selected item.

7

Using the cursor buttons

The cursor buttons are used to select and enter items on menus or
thumbnail displays.

Upwards

Left Right

Downwards

To move the cursor

●

The cursor moves in the direction of the
respective cursor buttons
when pressed.

Pressing the center enters the selection.●

Close the menu.

8

Do not rotate the mode dial while menus appear on the LCD monitor.

Enter the selected

5

submenu.

or

●

You cannot record or perform other operations while menus appear on the

●

LCD monitor.

Changing the display language

The display and menu language can be changed.

→[LANGUAGE]

20 LSQT1539 21LSQT1539

Setup

Setting the date and time and adjusting the LCD monitor

6

Setting the date and time

Before recording, check that the date and time have been set.
The very first time that the unit is turned ON, a message appears prompting you
to set the date and time. Select [YES], press the center of the cursor buttons
and proceed to step

To change the date and time

display

To change an item

●

→[SETUP]→

[DATE/TIME]

[OFF] : Date and time are not

[D/T] : Date and time are

[DATE] : Only the date is displayed.

●

displayed.

displayed.

To change the date format

→[SETUP]→

[DATE FORMAT]

Format

indication

[Y/M/D] 2009.12.15
[M/D/Y] 12.15.2009
[D/M/Y] 15.12.2009

.

3

Appearance on

LCD monitor

Set to [ ] or [ ].

1

Select the desired menu.

2

→[BASIC]→

[CLOCK SET]→[YES]

Set the date and time.

3

To select settings To change

The year is displayed up to 2099
and the 24-hour system is used
to display the time.

Enter the date and time.

4

The clock function starts at [00]

•
seconds.
After pressing the [MENU]

•
button and closing the menu,
check the date and time
displays.

numerical values

After setting the date and time, summer time can be set as in “Setting home

●

city and region” of the world time function (P.50).

] is displayed for the date and time, the built-in lithium battery has run

If [

●

down. Charge the battery and set the time as follows. The built-in lithium
battery is charged when the AC adaptor is connected to the unit or when a
battery is inserted into the unit. If charged for about 24 hours, the date and
time can be saved in memory for about 6 months. (The battery is charged
even if the unit is turned OFF.)

Adjusting the LCD monitor

LCD monitor colour and brightness can be adjusted. (Settings do not affect
recorded images.) For settings from the menu see P.20.
The LCD monitor cannot be adjusted for self-portrait recording (P.41).

Select the desired menu.

1

→[SETUP]→

[LCD SET]→[YES]

Select and adjust the

2

item.

Select an item. To adjust

[BRIGHTNESS]:

Adjusts brightness.

[COLOUR]:

Adjusts colour density.

The bar moves.

If the LCD monitor is hard to

see in bright or dark places
(POWER LCD)

Adjust the brightness of the LCD
monitor.

→[SETUP]→

[POWER LCD]
[AUTO] :
The LCD monitor brightness

is automatically adjusted
in line with the ambient
brightness.

: The LCD monitor brightens

more.
: The LCD monitor brightens.
: Normal brightness
: The LCD monitor darkens.

[

] is automatically selected

•
when the AC adaptor is used.

22 LSQT1539 23LSQT1539

Recording

Before recording

1

Record motion and still pictures onto the SD card.
Recorded motion and still pictures are referred to as “scenes” with this unit.

Basic stance

Hold the unit firmly
with both hands

Microphone

Be careful not to block
microphone or sensor

Before recording, open the lens cover.●

Stand with back
to sun to avoid
subject being in
shadow

Keep elbows close to
body

Using the “sub record”
button can be helpful
when recording at
waist height

Stand with legs slightly
apart for stability

Recording can be done in two ways: “Automatic recording”
or “Manual recording”.

Automatic recording (motion/still pictures)

(This is the default setting at the time of purchase)

To have colouring, focus, and brightness settings made

●

automatically

See

P.26-29

Manual recording (motion/still pictures)

(Manually adjust settings such as focus, white balance, shutter speed,
iris/gain, etc.)

To record with your own settings

●

When automatic recording is unsatisfactory

●

To use settings for particular scenes (scene mode)

●

See

P.44-49

Note

Do not perform any of the following operations while the SD card
is being accessed (card access lamp illuminated). Performing
these actions may damage the card and its data.

• Turning off the unit

• Removing battery or AC adaptor

• Opening card/battery door and removing
SD card

• Rotating the mode dial

• Shaking or impacting the unit

• Disconnecting the USB cable

Card access lamp

Card/battery door

For SD cards applicable with this unit (P.12)●

24 LSQT1539 25LSQT1539 25LSQT1539

Recording

2

Automatic recording

(motion pictures)

Record motion picture with settings such as focus and colouring made
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery, see (P.16)

Before recording, open the lens cover.

Set to [ ].

1

Press and set to [AUTO].

2

Press to switch modes
between [iA] and [AUTO].

To change aspect ratio to 4:3

→[BASIC]→

[REC ASPECT]→[4:3]

Default aspect ratio at the time of
purchase is set to 16:9 (widescreen).

To remove sound when record

button is pressed

→[SETUP]→

[BEEP SOUND]→[OFF]

To remove on-screen display

→[SETUP]→

[DISPLAY]→[OFF]

To ensure that you won’t pass

up any recording opportunities

PRE-REC function (P.40)

When the unit is running on battery power, the unit is automatically turned

●

OFF to conserve battery life if no operations are performed for about 5
minutes. To reuse the unit, set the mode dial to [OFF] and then reselect a
mode.
To prevent the unit from turning OFF automatically: P.86 [ECONOMY]

●

The interval between starting and stopping recording is recorded as one single
scene. The counter is reset to “0h00m00s” after each scene.

Start recording.

3

Auto mode icon

Recording continues even if the
LCD monitor is closed.

Stop recording.

4

The unit is still recording if [ ] is
red. Do not move the unit.

Recording in progress (red)

Time remaining
(flashes red when
under 1 minute)

Paused (green)

Time elapsed

Recording mode and recording times

Recording times depend on the recording mode selected.

Recording times for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)

SD card
capacity

256 MB 3 min 6 min 12 min
512 MB 6 min 12 min 25 min

1GB 12 min 25 min 50 min
2GB 25 min 50 min 1 h 40 min
4GB 50 min 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min
6GB 1 h 15 min 2 h 30 min 5 h

8GB 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min
12 GB 2 h 30 min 5 h 10 h
16 GB 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min
32 GB 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min 26 h 40 min

●

If a single scene exceeds 4 GB during motion picture recording, recording
continues as a separate scene.

●

Recording fast-moving objects or repeatedly writing on the same SD card
numerous times shortens recording time.

●

Mosaic-like interference may be generated on playback screens in the
following circumstances:

•

Complicated pictures in background

•

The unit is moved greatly or quickly

•

Recording is of a rapidly moving object (particularly if recording mode is set

])

to [

To change recording mode

→[BASIC]→[REC MODE]→[ ] / [ ] / [ ]

If recording stops

Recording may stop suddenly if an incompatible SD card has been

•
inserted. (P.12)
Even with usable SD cards, recording may stop if you repeatedly write

•
on the same SD card. Copy data onto a PC using VideoCam Suite, then
format the SD card with this unit. (When formatted, all data on the SD card
is erased.)

(Highest picture quality)

Recording mode

(Standard)

(Longest recording time)

26 LSQT1539 27LSQT1539 27LSQT1539

Recording

3

Automatic recording

(still pictures)

Take still pictures with settings such as focus and colouring made
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery see (P.16)

Before recording, open the lens cover.

To remove shutter sound

→[ADVANCED]→[SHTR

EFFECT]→[OFF]

To remove on-screen display

→[SETUP]→

[DISPLAY]→[OFF]

Set to [ ].

1

Press and set to [AUTO].

2

Press to switch modes
between [iA] and [AUTO].

Take picture.

3

Focus is aligned to object in
centre of shot.

Picture
resolution

Pictures remaining
(flashes red when zero)

Number of recordable pictures

Picture size is 640×480 (0.3 M).

●

SD card capacity

8MB 37
16 MB 92
32 MB 200
64 MB 430

128 MB 820
256 MB 1710
512 MB 3390

1GB 6790

2GB 13820

4GB 27150

6GB 41280

8GB 55260
12 GB 83350
16 GB 99999
32 GB 99999

＊This unit can record only up to 99,999 still pictures in these SD cards.

The number of pictures

for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)

＊

＊

To avoid jitter

(The image stabilizer function (P.31) cannot be used during still picture
recording.)

Hold the unit firmly with both hands, and keep elbows close to your body.

•
Jitter becomes particularly difficult to avoid with zoom ratios of 4x and

•
above. It is recommended that you reduce the zoom ratio and move closer

Sound is not recorded.

●

Recorded still pictures are referred to as “scenes” with this unit.

●

to the object.
Try using a tripod.

•

28 LSQT1539 29LSQT1539 29LSQT1539

Recording

indicates functions used with motion pictures and functions used with

still pictures.

Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain picture brightness in dark locations

4

Enlarging (zoom)

Optical zoom can be used to enlarge objects by up to 10 times without
degradation.

Apply zoom effect to sounds (zoom microphone)

Synched with zooming operations, distance sounds are recorded when
enlarging and peripheral sounds are recorded at wide angles.

Enlarge

→[ADVANCED]→[ZOOM MIC]→[ON]

Avoid jitter (image stabilizer function)

Restore

→[ADVANCED]→[SIS]→[ON]

Default setting at time of purchase is [ON].

●

The image stabilizer function cannot be used in shooting still pictures or with

●

Colour night view.
Brightness may change and colouring may appear unnatural when using

●

beneath fluorescent lighting.
The image stabilizer function may not perform successfully in the following

To enlarge further

Digital zoom can be used to enlarge
objects by a maximum of 700 times.
(Cannot be used during still picture
recording.)

→[ADVANCED]→

[D.ZOOM]
[OFF] : No digital zoom
[25x] : Up to maximum of 25x
[700x] : Up to maximum of 700x

Picture quality will be reduced by

•

the same factor as the zoom ratio is
increased by.
The digital zoom range is displayed

•

in blue in the zoom bar on the LCD
monitor.

Release zoom button quietly (any sounds may be recorded).

●

The image stabilizer function is recommended for motion picture recording at

●

high zoom rates.
Focus may not be aligned if zooming in too quickly.

●

Zooming has two speeds. When the buttons are pressed lightly, zooming is

●

done at slow speed. When pressed strongly, zooming is done at high speed.

Zoom ratio: 1x
This unit can focus on a subject
approx. 4 cm away from the
lens.

After enlarging the image, the
subject is brought into focus at

1.0 m or greater distance.

●

circumstances:

• Using digital zoom • Location is extremely dark

• Jitter is significant • When following moving object

●

The function can be set in auto or manual mode, but not in intelligent auto
mode (P.32).

Maintain brightness in dark locations (auto slow shutter)

Shutter speed is automatically slowed in dark places in order to brighten
captured images.

→[ADVANCED]→[AUTO SLW SHTR]→[ON]

Default setting at time of purchase is [OFF].

●

]:

( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/25 and 1/350.

[

When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/50 and 1/350.)

[ ]:

( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/25 and 1/500.

When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/50 and 1/500.)

Focus may not be aligned perfectly in extremely dark locations or where there

●

is little contrast.
When shutter speed is 1/25 - 1/49:

●

Images may appear as if frames were skipped and ghost images may appear.

•
The image stabilizer function does not work even when [ ] appears.

•

During manual recording, shutter speed can be adjusted manually. The range in which

●

shutter speed may be adjusted depends on the auto slow shutter setting. (P.48)
The function can be set in auto or manual mode, but not in intelligent auto

●

mode (P.32).

30 LSQT1539 31LSQT1539 31LSQT1539